Ponchos originated in South America in the early 18th century, but are increasing in popularity as a fashion trend. When you know how to sew using a sewing machine, with the help of a sewing pattern you can reproduce some of the latest fashion styles. If you want your own poncho of soft, thick fleece to keep you warm this winter, all you need to do is select your choice of fleece fabric at a local fabric store and use this simple pattern to make it.
Gather Your Supplies
In addition to your sewing machine, you are going to need some other sewing items to make this poncho. You will need:
- Two length of fleece fabric, 1 2/3 yards each
- Matching sewing thread
- One yard of matching 1-inch ribbon
- Sewing Scissors
- Fabric marker
- Sewing pins
- Dinner plate, 10 inches in diameter
- Measuring tape
Select Your Fabric
When you select the fleece fabric for your poncho, you will be choosing two coordinating fabrics; one for the outside and one for the inside of the poncho. This will also make your poncho reversible. After purchasing the fabric, you will have two equal-sized squares of fabric, approximately 60 by 60 inches.
Before you begin sewing your poncho, it is important to shrink your fabric. Wash and dry your fabrics in your washer and dryer. Some fabrics will shrink the first time they are washed, and it is better to have this take place before the fabric is sewn onto other pieces of fabric. If this occurs, it can create uneven bunching along the seams and ruin your newly-sewn clothing item.
Next, lay out each square of fabric, one on top of the other, with the right sides together to make sure they are still the same size. If one of the pieces of fabric has shrunk, you will need to trim the larger piece of fabric to fit the smaller one. This will make both fabrics the exact same size.
Sew Your Poncho Together
Pin the edges of the two fabrics together, placing pins every five to six inches. Using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, stitch around the entire square of fabric, sewing the two pieces together.
Snip off 1/2-inch of each corner of the two fabrics, making sure not to cut through the stitching. By cutting off the excess corner pieces, when you turn the poncho inside-out, the corners won't be bulky from the excess fabric. This step will also give the corners a sharp and professionally-sewn look.
Spread the poncho on a table, counter, or other large work surface. Place the dinner plate in the middle of the poncho where you want the poncho's head hole to be. Use the plate as a template and draw around the plate with the fabric marker.
Finish Your Poncho
Next, measure and draw a ten-inch line from the poncho's circular head opening, diagonally in the direction of one of the poncho's corners. Cut out the circular opening and the ten-inch neckline. Make sure you cut through both layers of fabric.
Turn the fabric inside-out. Between both layers of fabric, push out the corners of the poncho with the edge of your scissors to make them pointed. Press down the seams and corners along the outside of the poncho.
Using a 1/4-inch seam allowance, stitch around the neck and head opening on the poncho. Cut the ribbon into two equal lengths. Stitch an end of both ribbons onto the top corner of either side of the poncho's neckline. These ties will help secure your poncho while you are wearing it.
To give your poncho a finished look, stitch around the edge of the poncho, using a 1/3-inch seam allowance.
Now you can wear your new, fashionable poncho and stay warm this winter. For more ideas for winter fashion, visit resources like Paula & Chlo designer cashmere for sale.
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